Sony triggers PS4 craze with Japan launch

Sony has triggered a new PS4 craze by finally launching the console in Japan, completing the final stages of its global release. This has been the first time that the home market has been the last to get delivery, but it did not stop huge crowds from camping and cuing to get their hands on the next gen device.

The PlayStation 4 has easily surpassed all goals set for it and the Japan release will enhance these sales figures even more. According to The Verge, Sony is selling a regular edition for ¥41,900, and a bundle with the PlayStation Camera peripheral for ¥46,100. The Knack action game which has been a showcase for the PS4 is available as a digital download on both PS4 versions.

The fact that Japan were last to get the PS4 considering that Sony is a Japanese company took many by surprise, being perceived as a 3 month delay. Pre-orders for the PS4 in Japan sold out within minutes back in October, with a demand for a reported 50,000 consoles being racked up in record speed. Japan will now have to serve up these reservations as best they can since the console went on sale on February 22nd.

Stock shortages are still occurring even here in the UK, with Sony expecting demand to last until April. It will be interesting to see the first sets of sales figures Sony announced for the PS4 in Japan and how it will impact the strategy of the Xbox One who is still yet to launch there. How long do you think this PS4 craze is going to last?

Matt has a passion for technology, gaming and social media, whether its using it or writing about it. He joins the Product Reviews team having graduated from the University of Greenwich in 2013, after completing an honours degree in Building Surveying. Matt will mostly keep you in the loop on gaming, tech and gadget news.